A two-month ban on fisheries hunting helped Pakistan mount seafood export by 12.19 percent in the first month of new fiscal year (FY) 2018, as fishermen land a big catch in August. The country's seafood export in July - the first month of new FY 2018 surged to $12.473 million from $11.118 million, Pakistan Bureau of Statics said on Wednesday, showing an increase of $1.355 million in July 2017.
"The government's efforts to place a fishing ban for two months must be appreciated that it helped eventually the fishermen land a big catch in the new fishing season," President Sindh Trawlers Owners and Fishermen Association (Stofa), Habibullah Khan Niazi told Business Recorder. In term of quantity, the statistics indicate a mammoth growth of 31 percent or 1128 metric tons in seafood export to 4,821 metric tons in the first month of new FY 2018 from 3,693 metric tons in July last FY. Habibullah supported the two-month ban, saying that "it [ban] should continue".
He said that nearly all kind of seasonal fish and shrimp species are landing at full swings and in all sizes, fetching 'good' prices. "A- grade fisheries are selling for between to Rs 400 and Rs 1000 a kilogram on the main fisheries market at the harbour," he added.
The Stofa chief asked the provincial government and its concerned departments to help the fisheries sector improve its landing with a full size catch by continuing the ban imposition. He said that the Stofa continues to write to the authorities in favor of the two months fishing ban in Sindh coastal waters and deep sea.
However, he complained about the Karachi Fisheries Harbor Authority (KFHA) officials over 'corruption' and creating hurdles for fishermen assigned for deep sea fishing by the boat owners. He said, "The KFHA is involved in corruption and creating problems for fishermen on small issues," adding that the officials demand bribe for clearing their nets during inspections and in issuance of crew cards.
He alleged the KFHA officials for delaying the sailing of fishing boats with unprofessional tactics to seek bribe from the boat owners and fishermen. The KFHA officials on the pretext of non-fixing of the TED (Turtle Excluder Device) on fishing nets are imposing huge fines. "We are ready to attach TED to fishing nets but the officials' attitude is worse," he said.
In reply to the Stofa chief allegations, the KFHA officials said that there may be officers involved in wrongdoings but the complainants never placed their reservations in writing and always stayed away from inquiries to prove their claims. "When the complainants are called, they escape to show up in inquiry to substantiate the evidences," the officials said.
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